Historic Champions League Debut
Como 1907 made a spectacular and historic entry into the Champions League, securing a dominant 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig. This win was particularly significant as Como was the only Italian team to emerge victorious in their opening Champions League match [1]. The club’s rapid ascent, achieving Champions League qualification in just two and a half years, has been a remarkable journey [2]. The performance against RB Leipzig saw goals from Tasos Douvikas, Maximo Perrone, Assane Diao, and Martin Baturina, with Baturina also assisting a goal and being awarded the UEFA Player of the Match [3]. Nico Paz, a summer signing from Real Madrid CF, played the full 90 minutes and contributed two assists, expressing his satisfaction with his decision to stay at Como for his development [4]. This impressive debut has garnered praise, with Alessandro Del Piero highlighting Como’s organization, energy, and personality [1].
Key Players and Squad Strength
Como’s success is built on a strong squad featuring several standout performers. Martin Baturina has been particularly influential, starting all four of Como’s games this season and contributing to five goals. Last season, he recorded eight goals and four assists in 34 appearances across all competitions [5]. The club reportedly rejected a €55m bid from Aston Villa for Baturina last summer, underscoring his value [5]. Assane Diao, another goalscorer in the Champions League debut, has been praised by Fabio Capello, who considers him technically superior to Rafael Leao [6]. Despite missing nine months last season due to injury, Diao has made a strong return [7]. The squad has also been bolstered by new summer arrivals, including Moise Kean, Kaiki, and Nico Paz, who joined permanently from Real Madrid CF for 60 million [7], [4]. Como’s commitment to building a competitive team is reflected in their squad valuation, which ranks as the 13th most valuable in the current Champions League season [8].
Fabregas’ Vision and Future Outlook
Under the guidance of coach Cesc Fabregas, Como 1907 has achieved remarkable milestones. Fabregas, who has been instrumental in the club’s rapid rise, emphasizes the importance of consistent performance across all competitions. Despite the euphoria of the Champions League victory, he has reiterated that Serie A remains the primary objective [7]. Fabregas trusts his key players, giving Martin Baturina the freedom to utilize his talent and find space on the field [7]. The club’s president, Mirwan Suwarso, believes Como can compete with larger teams by leveraging their unique history, art, and passion [9]. While the Champions League debut was a resounding success, the focus remains on maintaining high standards in domestic competitions. Edoardo Goldaniga, Maxence Caqueret, and Jayden Addai are currently not on the UEFA list for Como, with Addai being a long-term absentee [2].
What it means
Como 1907 currently sits in 4th place in Serie A with 7 points from 3 matches, demonstrating a strong start to their domestic campaign with two wins and one draw. Their recent form is excellent, highlighted by a 4-1 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig, and consecutive 4-1 and 2-1 wins in Serie A against Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli respectively. The team’s offensive prowess is evident with 7 goals scored and only 3 conceded in the league. This impressive run, including a 4-1 win against US Cremonese in May, suggests a club in formidable form. Their next fixture is a home game against Parma in Serie A on September 14th. This match will be crucial for Como to maintain their strong league position and build on the momentum from their historic Champions League debut, facing a domestic challenge that will test their consistency.
Sources
- Football Italia: Del Piero praises Como’s Champions League debut: ‘The only Italian team to win’ football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Fabregas: ‘Honoured to be first Como coach in Champions League’ football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Thierry Henry warns Como’s Baturina: ‘You will not receive your next paycheck’ football-italia.net ↩
- Marca: Nico Paz: "Era por noches como esta por las que quería quedarme en el Como" marca.com ↩
- Football Italia: Como enjoy Baturina strong start after rejecing Aston Villa’s 55m bid football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Capello: Como talent Diao is better than Leao, but I ‘don’t understand’ Fabregas football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Fabregas: ‘Como must perform every three days, in Serie A and Champions League’ football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Where do Como rank among the most valuable 2026-27 Champions League teams? football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Como president Suwarso: ‘Premier League has money but we have history, art and passion’ football-italia.net ↩